WO2022101747A1 - Dispositif de protection personnelle à reconnaissance vocale locale et procédé associé de traitement d'un signal vocal - Google Patents

Dispositif de protection personnelle à reconnaissance vocale locale et procédé associé de traitement d'un signal vocal Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022101747A1
WO2022101747A1 PCT/IB2021/060223 IB2021060223W WO2022101747A1 WO 2022101747 A1 WO2022101747 A1 WO 2022101747A1 IB 2021060223 W IB2021060223 W IB 2021060223W WO 2022101747 A1 WO2022101747 A1 WO 2022101747A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
voice
command
processing unit
protective device
personal protective
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2021/060223
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Holger J. Kurzhals
Michael H. Stalder
Patrick R.T. HJORT
Magnus S. JOHANSSON
Original Assignee
3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by 3M Innovative Properties Company filed Critical 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority to CN202180074873.5A priority Critical patent/CN116456943A/zh
Priority to US18/252,370 priority patent/US20230410808A1/en
Priority to EP21806040.8A priority patent/EP4243748A1/fr
Priority to AU2021378511A priority patent/AU2021378511A1/en
Publication of WO2022101747A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022101747A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L15/00—Speech recognition
    • G10L15/22—Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialogue
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L15/00—Speech recognition
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B1/00—Hats; Caps; Hoods
    • A42B1/018—Hats; Caps; Hoods with means for protecting the eyes, ears or nape, e.g. sun or rain shields; with air-inflated pads or removable linings
    • A42B1/0181—Hats; Caps; Hoods with means for protecting the eyes, ears or nape, e.g. sun or rain shields; with air-inflated pads or removable linings with means for protecting the eyes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42—HEADWEAR
    • A42B—HATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B1/00—Hats; Caps; Hoods
    • A42B1/018—Hats; Caps; Hoods with means for protecting the eyes, ears or nape, e.g. sun or rain shields; with air-inflated pads or removable linings
    • A42B1/0186—Hats; Caps; Hoods with means for protecting the eyes, ears or nape, e.g. sun or rain shields; with air-inflated pads or removable linings with means for protecting the ears or nape
    • A42B1/0188—Protection for the ears, e.g. removable ear muffs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A61F11/08—Protective devices for the ears internal, e.g. earplugs
    • A61F11/12—External mounting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F11/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the ears or hearing sense; Non-electric hearing aids; Methods or devices for enabling ear patients to achieve auditory perception through physiological senses other than hearing sense; Protective devices for the ears, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F11/06—Protective devices for the ears
    • A61F11/14—Protective devices for the ears external, e.g. earcaps or earmuffs
    • A61F11/145—Protective devices for the ears external, e.g. earcaps or earmuffs electric, e.g. for active noise reduction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/04—Eye-masks ; Devices to be worn on the face, not intended for looking through; Eye-pads for sunbathing
    • A61F9/06—Masks, shields or hoods for welders
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61F—FILTERS IMPLANTABLE INTO BLOOD VESSELS; PROSTHESES; DEVICES PROVIDING PATENCY TO, OR PREVENTING COLLAPSING OF, TUBULAR STRUCTURES OF THE BODY, e.g. STENTS; ORTHOPAEDIC, NURSING OR CONTRACEPTIVE DEVICES; FOMENTATION; TREATMENT OR PROTECTION OF EYES OR EARS; BANDAGES, DRESSINGS OR ABSORBENT PADS; FIRST-AID KITS
    • A61F9/00—Methods or devices for treatment of the eyes; Devices for putting-in contact lenses; Devices to correct squinting; Apparatus to guide the blind; Protective devices for the eyes, carried on the body or in the hand
    • A61F9/04—Eye-masks ; Devices to be worn on the face, not intended for looking through; Eye-pads for sunbathing
    • A61F9/06—Masks, shields or hoods for welders
    • A61F9/065—Masks, shields or hoods for welders use of particular optical filters
    • A61F9/067—Masks, shields or hoods for welders use of particular optical filters with variable transmission
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62B—DEVICES, APPARATUS OR METHODS FOR LIFE-SAVING
    • A62B18/00—Breathing masks or helmets, e.g. affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes or incorporating a pump or compressor for reducing the inhalation effort
    • A62B18/08—Component parts for gas-masks or gas-helmets, e.g. windows, straps, speech transmitters, signal-devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02C—SPECTACLES; SUNGLASSES OR GOGGLES INSOFAR AS THEY HAVE THE SAME FEATURES AS SPECTACLES; CONTACT LENSES
    • G02C7/00—Optical parts
    • G02C7/10—Filters, e.g. for facilitating adaptation of the eyes to the dark; Sunglasses
    • G02C7/104—Filters, e.g. for facilitating adaptation of the eyes to the dark; Sunglasses having spectral characteristics for purposes other than sun-protection
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/016—Input arrangements with force or tactile feedback as computer generated output to the user
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09B—EDUCATIONAL OR DEMONSTRATION APPLIANCES; APPLIANCES FOR TEACHING, OR COMMUNICATING WITH, THE BLIND, DEAF OR MUTE; MODELS; PLANETARIA; GLOBES; MAPS; DIAGRAMS
    • G09B5/00—Electrically-operated educational appliances
    • G09B5/04—Electrically-operated educational appliances with audible presentation of the material to be studied
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A41—WEARING APPAREL
    • A41D—OUTERWEAR; PROTECTIVE GARMENTS; ACCESSORIES
    • A41D13/00—Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches
    • A41D13/0002—Details of protective garments not provided for in groups A41D13/0007 - A41D13/1281
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L15/00—Speech recognition
    • G10L15/22—Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialogue
    • G10L2015/223—Execution procedure of a spoken command
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G10—MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS; ACOUSTICS
    • G10L—SPEECH ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES OR SPEECH SYNTHESIS; SPEECH RECOGNITION; SPEECH OR VOICE PROCESSING TECHNIQUES; SPEECH OR AUDIO CODING OR DECODING
    • G10L15/00—Speech recognition
    • G10L15/22—Procedures used during a speech recognition process, e.g. man-machine dialogue
    • G10L2015/225—Feedback of the input speech

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a personal protective device with local voice recognition and to a method of processing a voice signal therein.
  • Personal protective equipment or devices have been widely used to protect users while working in dangerous or hazardous environments. These may include noisy areas, areas with extreme temperatures, areas with atmospheres containing hazardous or poisonous ingredients, areas with intensive light emissions such as welding arcs, areas with injury risk such as construction work zones.
  • Personal protective devices have been developed and refined over time and may include electrical or electronic functions improving the protection and the comfort, respectively, of the wearers.
  • Such personal protective devices may include hearing protection devices having a noise cancelling function, welding shields with automatic darkening filters, respiratory devices with valves or active ventilation. These functions may require adjustments, which were typically done by the user pushing buttons on such devices, e. g. by hand. This may become difficult or even problematic if the work of the user requires both hands so that operating the buttons may be difficult or impossible.
  • hygiene aspects may be important, e. g. for respirators being used in a contaminated environment.
  • Voice recognition systems have been developed to control functions of electrical or electronic devices by voice signals or voice commands.
  • voice-controlled devices are that users can control functions of these in a so-called hands-free operation, i. e. not needing to push button or the like to initiate switching of functions.
  • Examples of these systems would be online based systems as commercially available for controlling functions of a computer or of home equipment such as lighting or consumer electronics.
  • Such systems are typically artificial intelligence based and/or require, because of some complexity and variety of controls and commands leading to reasonably high amount of data and processing effort, to be connected to external processing devices such as servers providing these functions.
  • these connections are provided by a Wide Area Network (WAN) or by the internet.
  • WAN Wide Area Network
  • the present disclosure relates to a personal protective device with local voice recognition comprising a voice receiving unit comprising at least one microphone for recognizing voice signals of a user.
  • the personal protective device comprises a control unit for controlling functions of the personal protective device and a voice processing unit for processing voice signals received from the at least one microphone.
  • the voice processing unit is connected to the at least one microphone of the voice receiving unit, wherein the voice processing unit is configured to generate a voice command based on the received voice signal.
  • the voice processing unit comprises predetermined command information stored internally within the voice processing unit.
  • the voice processing unit is configured to match the voice command generated from the voice signal with the stored command information to generate a voice command information block.
  • the personal protective device comprises a command processing unit for processing the voice command information block generated by the voice processing unit.
  • the command processing unit is connected to the voice processing unit and to the control unit.
  • the command processing unit comprises predetermined control information stored within the command processing unit.
  • the command processing unit is configured to match the voice command information block with the stored control information to generate a control command and to transmit the control command to the control unit.
  • Such a personal protective device is advantageous because a reliable voice recognition can even be performed when no WAN or internet connection is available to the personal protective device. In other words, the personal protective device operates in an autarkic mode. Also, the data security is increased as no data from the user is being sent to remote networks.
  • a personal protective device with a local voice recognition allows operating the personal protective device in a hands-free mode, which minimizes or avoids doffing of the personal protective device while operating it and while switching functions thereon. This may further enhance safety and comfort for the user of the personal protective device.
  • the microphone of the voice receiving unit may be a digital microphone or an analogue microphone. In the latter case the further signal processing is digital, an AD/DA converter may be required. If the further signal processing is analogue, no converter may be needed, unless the microphone is digital, then an DA/AD converter may be needed.
  • Connections between components or units of the personal protective device may, for example, be electrically or optically.
  • the connection may be wired, e. g. electrical wires, optical fibers or wirelessly, e. g. of the type Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) or other suitable wireless connections.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
  • ZigBee Near Field Communication
  • NFC Near Field Magnetic Induction
  • NFMI Near Field Magnetic Induction
  • the present disclosure further relates to a method of processing a voice signal in a personal protective device with local voice recognition.
  • the personal protective device comprises a voice receiving unit comprising at least one microphone for recognizing voice signals of a user.
  • the personal protective device comprises a control unit for controlling functions of the personal protective device and a voice processing unit for processing voice signals received from the at least one microphone of the voice receiving unit.
  • the voice processing unit is connected to the at least one microphone of the voice receiving unit, wherein the voice processing unit is configured to generate a voice command based on the received voice signal.
  • the voice processing unit comprises predetermined command information stored internally within the voice processing unit.
  • the voice processing unit is configured to match the voice command generated from the voice signal with the stored command information to generate a voice command information block.
  • the personal protective device comprises a command processing unit for processing the voice command information block generated by the voice processing unit, wherein the command processing unit is connected to the voice processing unit and to the control unit, wherein the command processing unit comprises predetermined control information stored within the command processing unit and wherein the command processing unit is configured to match the voice command information block with the stored control information to generate a control command and to transmit the control command to the control unit.
  • the method comprises the steps of recognizing a voice signal by a microphone, transmitting the voice signal to the voice processing unit, optionally of an external device, processing the received voice signal with the voice processing unit to generate a voice command based on the received voice signal, processing the voice command generated from the voice signal and matching it with the command information stored within the voice processing unit to generate a voice command information block, transmitting the voice command information block to the command processing unit, processing the voice command information block and matching it with the control information stored within the command processing unit to generate a control command and transmitting the control command to the control unit.
  • Such a method of processing a voice signal in a personal protective device is advantageous because a reliable voice recognition can even be performed when no WAN or internet connection is available to the personal protective device.
  • the personal protective device operates in an autarkic mode.
  • the data security is increased as no data from the user is being sent to remote networks.
  • the method provides for operating the personal protective device in a hands-free mode including switching functions thereon. As mentioned above, avoiding doffing the personal protective device may enhance safety and comfort of the device and its operation.
  • Personal protective devices are designed to protect the wearer or user of it from hazards due to injury or infection.
  • the hazards to a wearer or user include physical, light, electrical, heat, chemical, biohazard or airborne particulate matter hazards.
  • Personal protective devices typically include protective clothing, helmets, goggles or other garments or equipment designed to protect a wearer or user such as visors, shields, helmets, masks or respirators.
  • a Wide Area Network or Connection is a telecommunication network extending over a large geographic area for the purpose of computer networking. This includes exchange and/or processing of data between different devices.
  • internet connections are WAN connections.
  • LAN local area network
  • a Local Area Network is a computer network to connect computers or other electronic devices within a limited area. This limited area may be building, part of a building, a property or part of a property. In contrast to a WAN, the geographical extension is much smaller. The typical maximum distance within a LAN may be 100 m. Also, in contrast to a WAN, a LAN connects a lower number of computers and/or electronic devices with each other. A LAN may be formed wired or wirelessly. The latter is also known as WLAN (wireless local area network) or as WIFI. Typically, WLAN or WIFI networks work based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. In a LAN, typically the latency time is lower compared to a WAN. A LAN or WLAN may be available and accessible by the personal protective device even if a WAN or the internet is not available or accessible.
  • Offline mode is an operational mode where a device is not connected to a WAN or to the internet.
  • the required processing and/or storage capabilities necessary for operating the device are built into the device or may be present in an external device connected to or connectable to the personal protective device via a short-range connection.
  • Such an external device may preferably be a smartphone.
  • Local voice recognition in the sense of the present disclosure is understood as a system for voice recognition being run in an offline mode.
  • the device performing such a local voice recognition is not connected to a WAN or to the internet and may either have all required components or units built into the device or may have voice and/or command processing components or units outsourced to an external device not connected to a WAN or to the internet, but connected via a short-range connection including a LAN or WLAN connection to the personal protective device.
  • Online mode or online voice recognition is understood as a voice recognition system where the processing of the voice signals is done at remote processing capabilities, which may be connected to the device via a WAN or internet connection.
  • Short-range transmissions or connections within the sense of the present disclosure are wired or wireless transmissions or connections between devices over typically 1 - 2 m, 2 - 5 m or 5 - 10 m distance.
  • a short-range transmission may also include a LAN or WLAN transmission.
  • An external device, unit or component in the sense of the present disclosure is understood as a separate device or component, i. e. in a physical distance from another device, which is connected via a wired or wireless connection.
  • Such an external device may include smartphones or external control or processing devices.
  • the external device as such may be connected to a WAN or to the internet, but not for processing operations within the voice recognition.
  • An internal device, unit or component in the sense of the present disclosure includes separate hardware components within the device for different functionalities or a common hardware component running software for different functionalities.
  • a voice signal in the sense of the present disclosure is a signal spoken by a user of a personal protective device.
  • the signal comprises acoustic waves forming a single number, character or a number of characters defining a word or a series of a few words defining a keyword.
  • a voice command in the sense of the present disclosure is a voice signal which was matched with an entry of a list of possible voice signals.
  • a voice command is generated based on a voice signal, which means that the voice signal is converted into a voice command.
  • Such a list may be stored in a personal protective device.
  • the voice command represents a voice signal which was recognized by a personal protective device being a specific word, phrase or sentence.
  • a voice command information block in the sense of the present disclosure is understood as a list of suggestions of possible commands based on a voice signal as received by a microphone and a voice receiving unit and matched with an entry of a list of possible voice signals.
  • the list of suggestions may comprise more than one option for a specific action to be initiated at an electronic device.
  • the list contains a list of possibilities for the device.
  • a control command in the sense of the present disclosure is a command which was matched with entry of a list of possible controls for a personal protective device, i. e. the control information, and which is transmitted to a control unit for initiation of certain action of an electronic device.
  • the control command may be obtained by matching the entries of the voice command information block with predetermined control information representing the possibilities for a specific command possible for a specific device. This includes the possibility that more than one entry of that list leads to the same control command.
  • the command processing unit and the control unit of a personal protective device with local voice recognition needs to be harmonized and synchronized with regard to the control commands possible forthat specific device.
  • a control unit within the sense of the present disclosure is understood as a unit to initiate action within a personal protective device. Lor example, changing the operation mode of the device, changing setting on the device etc. will be initiated by the control unit. Typically, the control unit was operated by switch buttons or the like to be pushed by the user.
  • the above-mentioned parts or components such as the microphone, the voice receiving unit, the voice and/or command processing unit, the control unit and/or the feedback unit with the audible, visual and/or haptic indication unit may be separate parts within the personal protective device. It is also conceivable, that some parts or components are integral with each other, for example it is conceivable that the voice receiving unit and the voice and/or command processing unit are built on one microchip. It is also conceivable that one microchip runs software to represent the function of a voice receiving unit, a voice and/or command processing unit, a control unit and/or a feedback unit. In the latter case, the dividing into the different components is rather seen from a functional aspect and not necessarily alone from a constructional or structural aspect.
  • Providing feedback to the user of the personal protective device is understood as an indication provided to the user about the match of the voice command with the stored command information and about the match of the voice command information block with stored command information of the command processing unit.
  • the feedback may include a positive feedback or indication about the match, a negative feedback or indication that there was no match or a combination of both. It is also conceivable that the feedback or indication includes a repetition of the voice signal as spoken by the user.
  • the feedback may include an indication to the user about the control command to be transmitted to the control unit and may include an indication about the action to be initiated by the control unit or that no action is initiated.
  • the feedback may also include an indication, e. g.
  • a personal protective device can be made by providing a voice receiving unit and a voice and/or command processing unit as described above and below, e. g. arranged on a printed circuit board comprising circuitry for voice receiving and voice and/or command processing, and arrange voice receiving unit and the voice and/or command processing unit at the personal protective device.
  • One example may include arranging the voice receiving unit and the voice and/or command processing unit within or at the housing of the personal protective device.
  • the connection from or to the voice and/or command processing unit may be wired, but it is also conceivable to arrange that connection wirelessly.
  • Another example may include arranging the voice receiving unit at the personal protective device, whereas the voice and/or command processing unit may be arranged in a short-range, e. g. typically 0,3 or 1 - 2 m, 2 - 5 m or 5 - 10 m distance spaced, from the personal protective device. In the latter case, the voice and/or command processing unit may be connected to the personal protective device wired or wirelessly.
  • the personal protective device further comprises a feedback unit comprising at least one indication means to provide a feedback to a user of the personal protective device.
  • the feedback unit is connected to the control unit.
  • the control unit is configured to control the at least one feedback unit such that an indication is provided to the user about the matching of the voice command with the stored command information and/or about the matching of the voice command information block with the stored control information and/or about the control command to be transmitted to the control unit.
  • a feedback unit is advantageous because the user of the personal protective device is informed about a match by the feedback unit. This may help the user with using the personal protective device, in particular as doffing of the personal protective device is minimized or avoided because the user is informed about the switching operation and does not need to look manually e. g. at buttons or displays or lamps of the device. This may be of particular importance for workers in hazardous environments.
  • the feedback unit of the personal protective device comprises an audible indication unit to provide an audible indication to a user.
  • an audible indication unit is advantageous because an audible indication may help the user still focusing on certain visual aspects while receiving the feedback or indication. In other words, a deflection from what the user needs to see in the surrounding may be minimized or avoided thereby.
  • the audible indication unit of the personal protective device comprises at least one speaker electrically connected to the control unit for playing an acoustic signal to a user as audible indication.
  • the control unit is configured to control the feedback unit such that the feedback unit generates an acoustic signal to be played on the at least one speaker.
  • Such an audible indication unit is advantageous because a speaker playing an acoustic signal to the user represents an easy and reliable way of providing an audible feedback or indication to the user.
  • the feedback unit of the personal protective device comprises a visual indication unit to a provide visual indication to a user.
  • a visual indication unit is advantageous because a visual feedback or indication may help to inform the user about the match even in noisy environments where audible feedback may be missed.
  • the feedback unit of the personal protective device comprises a haptic indication unit to provide a haptic indication to a user.
  • a haptic indication unit is advantageous because a haptic feedback may help to avoid input conflicts with visual and/or audible input given to the user of the personal protective device. In other words, if the user needs to listen to audio signals and needs to read visual signals, a haptic feedback or indication is not in conflict with these other signals.
  • the voice processing unit and/or command processing unit of the personal protective device is contained within the personal protective device.
  • Such a processing unit is advantageous because no extra device is necessary to perform the voice recognition with the personal protective device.
  • a robust and easy design of a system for the voice recognition is thereby provided if all necessary parts or components are contained within the personal protective device.
  • the voice processing unit and/or command processing unit of the personal protective device is arranged remote from the personal protective device.
  • the personal protective device is configured to communicate with the voice and/or command processing unit via a short-range connection.
  • a connection may, for example, include wired or wireless transmission or connections between devices over typically 1 - 2 m, 2 - 5 m or 5 - 10 m distance and be electrically or optically.
  • Such a connection may be wired, e. g. electrical wires, optical fibers or wirelessly, e. g. of the type Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) or other suitable wireless connections.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
  • ZigBee Near Field Communication
  • NFC Near Field Magnetic Induction
  • NFMI Near Field Magnetic Induction
  • the voice processing unit of the personal protective device comprises storage space for storing additional command information different from the predetermined command information and/or wherein the command processing unit of the personal protective device comprises storage space for storing additional control information.
  • additional storage space may be used to store new voice commands and/or new control commands.
  • the personal protective device is a hearing protection device with local voice recognition further comprising two earmuffs or ear plugs and noise reduction means, optionally a headband.
  • the two earmuffs or the ear plugs may be attached to a hard hat or protective helmet without a headband.
  • Such a personal protective device is advantageous because the user can operate the personal protective device without pushing operation buttons or knobs. This would allow the user to operate the personal protective device in a so-called hands-free mode, which may help to avoid disruptions of what the user of such a personal protective device is doing, e. g. working in a noisy environment. Also, doffing of the personal protective device in a noisy environment may be minimized or avoided thereby.
  • the personal protective device is a welding shield with local voice recognition further comprising an automatic darkening filter.
  • a personal protective device is advantageous because the user can operate the personal protective device without pushing operation buttons or knobs. This would allow the user to operate the personal protective device in a so-called hands-free mode, which may help to avoid disruptions of what the user of such a personal protective device is doing, e. g. welding work. Also, doffing of the personal protective device in an environment requiring protection against welding arcs may be minimized or avoided thereby.
  • the personal protective device is a respiratory device with local voice recognition further comprising filter cartridges for filtering inhaled air. Such a personal protective device is advantageous because the user can operate the personal protective device without pushing operation buttons or knobs.
  • the voice processing unit of the personal protective device is further configured to process a keyword training mode for training a user about the correct pronunciation of the voice signals.
  • components of the personal protective device may be used, e. g. a loudspeaker, to play a voice command or keyword to the user.
  • additional components are arranged to facilitate such a training mode, in particular in case the personal protective device does not yet comprise the components required for the training mode.
  • Such a processing unit is advantageous because by training the user in using the system the accuracy may be improved, i. e. the confidence level of the recognized voice signal or command may be increased.
  • the system may use limited command information only which may help to overcome limited processing and/or storage capabilities of the personal protective device compared to systems with an online voice recognition.
  • the method of processing a voice signal in a personal protective device further comprises the step of providing an indication to the user about the matching of the voice command with the stored command information and/or about the matching of the voice command information block with the stored control information and/or about the control command to be transmitted to the control unit, wherein the indication to the user comprises an audible indication, a visual indication, a haptic indication or a combination thereof.
  • the indication to the user comprises an audible indication, a visual indication, a haptic indication or a combination thereof.
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the method of processing a voice signal in a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2A is a schematic illustration of a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2B is a schematic illustration of a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates in a schematic block diagram the method of processing a voice signal in a personal protective device with local voice recognition according to the present disclosure.
  • a user (not shown here) speaks a voice signal, which is recognized by the voice receiving unit 20, 20’ (not shown here).
  • the received voice signal is transmitted to the voice processing unit 30, 30’ (also not shown here).
  • the transmitted voice signal is then processed within the voice processing unit 30 30’ to generate a voice command.
  • the voice command is then matched with the command information stored within the voice processing unit 30, 30’ to generate a voice command information block.
  • the voice command information block is then transmitted to and processed within the command processing unit 40, 40’ (not shown here). This includes matching the voice command information block with the command information stored within the command processing unit 40, 40’ to generate a control command.
  • the control command is then transmitted to the control unit 42, 42 and feedback is provided to the user of the personal protective device about the match.
  • Fig. 2A shows one embodiment of the personal protective device 100 with local voice recognition and a user 200 using the personal protective device 100.
  • the user 200 speaks a voice signal 202 which is received by the microphone 10 of the voice receiving unit 20 which is connected via connection 12.
  • the voice receiving unit 20 may convert the received voice signal into a digital voice signal, if the microphone 10 is an analogue microphone. In case of using a digital microphone, this step may be omitted.
  • the voice receiving unit 20 transmits the voice signal 202 via connection 22 to the voice processing unit 30.
  • the voice signal 202 is processed including generating a voice command based on the received voice signal 202 and matching the voice command with the predetermined command information stored within the voice processing unit 30 to generate a voice command information block.
  • the voice command information block is then transmitted to the command processing unit 40 via connection 32.
  • the voice command is being processed including matching the voice command with the stored control information and generating a control command.
  • the control command is then transmitted to the control unit 42 via connection 44 for initiating an action in the personal protective device 100, e. g. turning up or down of the speaker volume, switching on or off additional functions such as noise cancellation, radio, one or two way communication to other personal protective devices (not shown here) or the like.
  • the control unit 42 transmits a feedback signal about the match to the feedback unit 50 via connection 34.
  • the feedback unit 50 may initiate an audible indication to the user 200 by an audible indication unit 52, e. g. a loudspeaker 52, connected via connection 54.
  • the feedback unit 50 may initiate a visual indication to the user 200 by a visual indication unit 56, e. g. a lamp or LED (light emitting diode) 56 or the like, connection via connection 58.
  • the feedback unit 50 may also initiate a haptic indication to the user 200 by a haptic indication unit 60, e. g. a vibration alert generated by a motor 60 or the like, connected via connection 62.
  • Fig. 2B shows another embodiment of the personal protective device 100’ with local voice recognition and a user 200’ using the personal protective device 100’.
  • the personal protective device 100 is similar to the personal protective device 100 as shown in Fig. 1 except that the voice processing unit 30’ is part of an external device 31 ’ such as smartphone 31 ’ or the like.
  • the external device 31’ is wirelessly connected to the voice receiving unit 20’ via wireless connection 22’.
  • a wired connection (not shown) is conceivable.
  • the external device 31’ is also wirelessly connected to the command processing unit 40’ via wireless connection 32’.
  • a wired connection (not shown) is conceivable.
  • the command processing unit 40’ is connected to the feedback unit 50’ via connection 34’ on the other hand.
  • wireless connections may be of the type Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Near Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) or other suitable wireless connections.
  • RFID Radio Frequency Identification
  • BLE Bluetooth Low Energy
  • NFC Near Field Communication
  • NFMI Near Field Magnetic Induction
  • the user 200’ speaks a voice signal 202’ which is received by the microphone 10’ of the voice receiving unit 20’ which is connected via connection 12’ .
  • the voice receiving unit 20’ may convert the received voice signal into a digital voice signal, if the microphone 10’ is an analogue microphone. In case of using a digital microphone, this step may be omitted.
  • the voice receiving unit 20’ transmits the voice signal 202’ via wireless connection 22’ to the voice processing unit 30’.
  • the voice signal 202’ is processed including generating a voice command based on the received voice signal 202’ and matching the voice command with the predetermined command information stored within the voice processing unit 30’ to generate a voice command information block.
  • the voice command information block is then transmitted to the command processing unit 40’ via wireless connection 32’.
  • the voice command information block is being processed including matching the voice command information block with the stored control information and generating a control command.
  • the control command is then transmitted to the control unit 42’ via connection 44’ for initiating an action in the personal protective device 100’, e. g. turning up or down of the speaker volume, switching on or off additional functions such as noise cancellation, radio, one or two way communication to other personal protective devices (not shown here) or the like.
  • the control unit 42’ transmits a feedback signal about the match to the feedback unit 50’ via connection 34’.
  • the feedback unit 50’ may initiate an audible indication to the user 200’ by an audible indication unit 52’, e. g. a loudspeaker 52’ or a piezo element, connected via connection 54’ .
  • the feedback unit 50 may initiate a visual indication to the user 200’ by a visual indication unit 56’, e. g. a lamp or LED (light emiting diode) 56 or the like, conneced via connection 58 .
  • the feedback unit 50 may also initiate a haptic indication to the user 200’ by a haptic indication unit 60’, e. g. a vibration alert generated by a motor 60’ or the like, connected via connection 62’.
  • Fig. 3 shows in a front-side perspective view an embodiment of the personal protective device 300 with local voice recognition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure which is a welding helmet 300 with local voice recognition.
  • the welding helmet 300 comprises a welding helmet shell 310 and an automatic darkening filter 330, which is mounted in a forward-facing optically transmissive window 320.
  • the welding helmet 300 comprises the components of the personal protective device 100 or personal protective device 100’ as laid out above in Figs. 2A or 2B, which have been omited in Fig. 3 for simplification (for details see Figs. 2A or 2B).
  • the control unit 42, 42’ (not shown here) is connected to the automatic darkening filter 330 or other switchable electronic components such that switching of the automatic darkening filter 330 and/or of these other components can be performed.
  • Fig. 4 shows in a perspective view a user 200 wearing a personal protective device 400 with local voice recognition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being a hearing protection device 400 with local voice recognition.
  • the hearing protection device 400 comprises a first and a second cup 412, 414 mounted to a headband 416 via mounts 418, 420.
  • Mounts 418, 420 are connected to headband mount 426, 428 formed by a section of the headband 416.
  • An antenna 472 extends from one of the cups 412 for allowing improvement of a signal transmission, for example of an electrical voice signal from or to the hearing device 400.
  • the hearing protective device 400 comprises the components of the personal protective device 100 or personal protective device 100’ as laid out above in Figs. 2A or 2B, which have been omited in Fig. 4 for simplification (for details see Figs. 2A or 2B).
  • the control unit 42, 42’ (not shown here) is connected to components within the hearing protection device 400, e. g. a microphone, a loudspeaker, a noise reduction unit or other switchable electronic components, such that switching of these components can be performed.
  • Fig. 5 shows in a perspective view a user 200 wearing a personal protective device 500 with local voice recognition according to an embodiment of the present disclosure being respiratory device 500 with local voice recognition.
  • the respiratory device 500 comprises an axial fan 512 which is contained inside a housing 516.
  • a switch mechanism 514 is connected to the control unit 42, 42’ (not shown here), e. g. to optimize the desired speed of the axial fan, and hence, the cooling effect based upon the environmental conditions, the task the wearer 200 is undertaking, and the wearer's personal choice.
  • the personal protection respiratory device 500 that is illustrated in Figure 5 is a 3MTM 4251 Valved Filtering Half Face Respirator.
  • a pair of fdter cartridges 522, 524 are integrally attached to the respirator mask 520 at respective inhalation ports (not shown).
  • Each of the inhalation ports includes a respective inhalation valve (not shown) on the inside of the respirator mask 520 which open as a wearer 200 draws a breath.
  • the respirator mask 520 has adjustable straps 528 for attachment to the wearer 200.
  • the respiratory device 500 comprises the components of the personal protective device 100 or personal protective device 100’ as laid out above in Figs. 2A or 2B, which have been omitted in Fig. 5 for simplification (for details see Figs. 2A or 2B).
  • the control unit 42, 42’ (not shown here) is connected to components within the respiratory device 500, e. g. a motorized ventilation unit or other switchable electronic components, such that switching of these components can be performed.

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif de protection personnelle 100, 100', 300, 400, 500 à reconnaissance vocale locale comprenant une unité de réception de voix 20, 20', une unité de traitement vocal 30, 30', une unité de traitement de commande 40, 40' et une unité de commande 42, 42'. La présente divulgation concerne en outre un procédé de traitement d'un signal vocal 202, 202' dans un dispositif de protection personnelle 100, 100', 300, 400, 500 avec une reconnaissance vocale locale comprenant les étapes consistant à reconnaître un signal vocal 202, 202' par un microphone 10, 10', transmettre le signal vocal 202, 202' vers l'unité de traitement vocal 30, 30', éventuellement d'un dispositif externe 31', traiter le signal vocal reçu 202, 202' avec l'unité de traitement vocal 30, 30' pour générer une commande vocale sur la base du signal vocal reçu 202, 202', traiter la commande vocale générée à partir du signal vocal 202, 202' et la mettre en correspondance avec les informations de commande stockées dans l'unité de traitement vocal 30, 30' pour générer un bloc d'informations de commande vocale, transmettre le bloc d'informations de commande vocale à l'unité de traitement de commande 40, 40', traiter le bloc d'informations de commande vocale et le mettre en correspondance avec les informations de commande stockées dans l'unité de traitement de commande 40, 40' pour générer une instruction de commande et transmettre l'instruction de commande à l'unité de commande 42, 42'.
PCT/IB2021/060223 2020-11-13 2021-11-04 Dispositif de protection personnelle à reconnaissance vocale locale et procédé associé de traitement d'un signal vocal WO2022101747A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202180074873.5A CN116456943A (zh) 2020-11-13 2021-11-04 具有本地语音识别的个人防护装置和其中处理语音信号的方法
US18/252,370 US20230410808A1 (en) 2020-11-13 2021-11-04 Personal protective device with local voice recognition and method of processing a voice signal therein
EP21806040.8A EP4243748A1 (fr) 2020-11-13 2021-11-04 Dispositif de protection personnelle à reconnaissance vocale locale et procédé associé de traitement d'un signal vocal
AU2021378511A AU2021378511A1 (en) 2020-11-13 2021-11-04 Personal protective device with local voice recognition and method of processing a voice signal therein

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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EP20207551.1A EP4000569A1 (fr) 2020-11-13 2020-11-13 Dispositif de protection individuelle doté de reconnaissance vocale locale et procédé de traitement d'un signal vocal dans ce dispositif
EP20207551.1 2020-11-13

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WO2022101747A1 true WO2022101747A1 (fr) 2022-05-19

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US (1) US20230410808A1 (fr)
EP (2) EP4000569A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN116456943A (fr)
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WO (1) WO2022101747A1 (fr)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110205148A1 (en) * 2010-02-24 2011-08-25 Corriveau Philip J Facial Tracking Electronic Reader
EP2377497A1 (fr) * 2010-04-13 2011-10-19 Otos Tech Co., Ltd. Procédé d'affichage d'informations en plusieurs langues sur une cartouche de casque de soudure
WO2016144744A1 (fr) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Procédés et appareil pour fournir des informations visuelles associées à des opérations de soudage
WO2017030837A1 (fr) * 2015-08-14 2017-02-23 Honeywell International Inc. Casque de communication incluant une communication sans fil avec des dispositifs d'équipement de protection individuelle
WO2018102871A1 (fr) * 2016-12-07 2018-06-14 Kinephonics Ip Pty Limited Outil et procédé d'apprentissage
EP3445063A1 (fr) * 2017-08-18 2019-02-20 Honeywell International Inc. Système et procédé pour dispositif de protection auditive permettant de communiquer des alertes d'un équipement de protection personnelle à un utilisateur

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110205148A1 (en) * 2010-02-24 2011-08-25 Corriveau Philip J Facial Tracking Electronic Reader
EP2377497A1 (fr) * 2010-04-13 2011-10-19 Otos Tech Co., Ltd. Procédé d'affichage d'informations en plusieurs langues sur une cartouche de casque de soudure
WO2016144744A1 (fr) * 2015-03-09 2016-09-15 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Procédés et appareil pour fournir des informations visuelles associées à des opérations de soudage
WO2017030837A1 (fr) * 2015-08-14 2017-02-23 Honeywell International Inc. Casque de communication incluant une communication sans fil avec des dispositifs d'équipement de protection individuelle
WO2018102871A1 (fr) * 2016-12-07 2018-06-14 Kinephonics Ip Pty Limited Outil et procédé d'apprentissage
EP3445063A1 (fr) * 2017-08-18 2019-02-20 Honeywell International Inc. Système et procédé pour dispositif de protection auditive permettant de communiquer des alertes d'un équipement de protection personnelle à un utilisateur

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AU2021378511A1 (en) 2023-06-15
US20230410808A1 (en) 2023-12-21
EP4243748A1 (fr) 2023-09-20
EP4000569A1 (fr) 2022-05-25

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